Steeldogs go for goal advantage in first ever Cup Final

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Sheffield Steeldogs’ match of the season faces off tonight (7.45pm) when they take on Guildford Flames in their first ever EPL Final.

Andre Payette’s men are concentrating their efforts into taking a emphatic goals advantage to Guildford for the deciding second leg, on March 28.

These are going to be two tough games against a table-topping and experienced Flames, but Steeldogs say they are looking forward to the challenge.

Payette said: “Guildford are the best team in the league this season and they would probably beat any of the bottom four of the Elite League but we have we won our last 13 games on home ice. The big question will be can we take that winning streak to 14 in a vital match? Our ‘Made in Sheffield’ team have surprised many this year and will be hoping to cause another upset in the Cup.”

Payette appealed to hockey fans or newcomers to the sport, to come to iceSheffield and “be that extra man on every shift by supporting this hard-working and gritty team in their battle against the higher-spending big boys of the Premier League.”

He added: “We’re trying to do something very special in our first ever Final and we really need as many people down at iceSheffield as possible as it does make a big difference. The support for Steeldogs has been growing this year and it has been greatly appreciated by us all, but we need supporters’ help now.”

Dogs predict “fast and physical old-time hockey” as Steeldogs’ defence and netminder, Ben Bowns strive to contain the Flames’ forwards, whilst exerting their own pressure on the opposition net.